The role of self-help groups in rural development(EN)

Rural development is the foundation of the overall development of any nation. Since the majority of India's population resides in rural areas, the economic, social, and educational development of these areas is extremely essential for national development. Self-help groups have emerged as an effective medium in the process of rural development. Self-help groups are small voluntary groups, typically comprising 10 to 20 members, who save regularly and provide loans to group members when needed. The self-help group movement in India has played a significant role in economically empowering rural poor, especially women. These groups have not only promoted financial inclusion but have also made remarkable contributions to social awareness, women's empowerment, entrepreneurship development, employment generation, and poverty eradication. The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) and bank-linking programs have made self-help groups a major tool for rural development. This research paper presents a detailed study of the role, functioning, achievements, challenges, and future prospects of self-help groups in rural development.